Private 11.78-Acre Retreat With Exclusive Access to a 7-Acre Lake

A Rare Country Property With Water, Woods, and Privacy

 

 

Finding a property that combines acreage, a private lake, a cabin, mature woods, recreational opportunities, and convenient access to city amenities is becoming increasingly difficult. This exceptional approximately 11.78-acre property in unincorporated Shelby County offers a rare combination of natural beauty and practical potential.

At the heart of the property is a 2-bedroom, 1-bath wood cabin positioned on a hill overlooking a beautiful private lake. The property includes exclusive rights to approximately 7 acres of private lake, creating an extraordinary setting for anyone who enjoys fishing, boating, swimming, wildlife watching, or simply spending time near the water.

The cabin provides approximately 988 square feet of living space and features a spacious living area, large eat-in kitchen, two bedrooms, and a back deck where the surrounding landscape can be enjoyed.

Beyond the cabin, the property includes mature wooded areas, wildlife habitat, hunting opportunities, a barn, workshop, and additional storage structures. Together, these features create a versatile country property that could serve as a weekend retreat, family getaway, recreational property, hobby farm, or future residential opportunity.

Offered as-is, the property gives buyers the opportunity to take a unique existing setting and make it their own.

 

 

A Private Lake as the Centerpiece

The most distinctive feature of this property is undoubtedly the private lake.

The property includes exclusive rights to approximately 7 acres of private lake, creating an uncommon recreational amenity directly associated with the land.

Waterfront property has always held a special appeal, but a private lake offers a different kind of experience. Instead of simply having a view of the water, owners can potentially enjoy direct recreational opportunities right outside their door.

Depending on applicable regulations and lake rules, the water may provide opportunities for fishing, boating, swimming, kayaking, or simply relaxing along the shoreline.

For families, the lake can become a central gathering place. For outdoor enthusiasts, it can provide another reason to spend more time outside. For someone seeking a peaceful retreat, the sight and sound of water can transform the atmosphere of the entire property.

Prospective buyers should independently verify the exact nature of the lake rights, permitted activities, access arrangements, maintenance responsibilities, and any applicable restrictions.

 

 

A Cabin Overlooking the Water

The two-bedroom wood cabin sits on elevated ground overlooking the lake.

This positioning creates a natural connection between the home and the surrounding landscape.

The approximately 988-square-foot cabin offers a comfortable footprint for a weekend home or simpler full-time lifestyle. The interior includes two bedrooms and one full bathroom, along with a spacious living area and large eat-in kitchen.

The cabin’s elevated setting may also provide opportunities for attractive views from the interior and outdoor spaces.

A back deck adds another place to enjoy the scenery. A future owner could furnish the deck with outdoor seating, dining furniture, or other appropriate features to create an inviting space for morning coffee, afternoon relaxation, or evening gatherings.

Peaceful Views From the Hilltop Setting

The cabin’s position above the water gives the property a distinct sense of elevation and privacy.

Looking across the lake toward the surrounding woods can create a peaceful visual experience that is difficult to replicate with an ordinary residential property.

The landscape is likely to change throughout the year.

Spring can bring new greenery and blooming vegetation. Summer can create a lush forest backdrop. Autumn can introduce seasonal color throughout the trees. Winter may open up additional sightlines through the foliage.

This changing landscape can make the property feel different from season to season.

Mature Woods and Wildlife Habitat

The property also includes mature wooded areas filled with natural character.

Wooded acreage provides privacy while creating habitat for birds, deer, and other wildlife. The presence of mature trees can make the property especially appealing to people who enjoy observing nature.

For buyers who prefer outdoor lifestyles, the woods offer opportunities to explore the property, create walking paths, enjoy photography, or simply spend quiet time outdoors.

The mature forest also helps create separation between the cabin and the outside world.

Rather than feeling like a conventional residential lot, the property has the atmosphere of a private country retreat.

Hunting and Outdoor Recreation

The listing specifically highlights hunting opportunities, making the property attractive to outdoor enthusiasts.

The combination of wooded acreage, open areas, water, and wildlife can create an environment suitable for recreational activities.

Hunting should always be conducted in accordance with applicable federal, state, county, and local laws, seasons, licensing requirements, and property-specific restrictions.

Beyond hunting, the property offers numerous ways to enjoy the outdoors.

Fishing is an obvious possibility because of the private lake. Depending on lake rules, boating and swimming may also be available.

A property like this can appeal to buyers who want their recreational activities to happen at home rather than requiring a long drive to a public destination.

A Spacious Eat-In Kitchen

Inside the cabin, the large eat-in kitchen provides an important gathering space.

An eat-in kitchen can be especially practical for a retreat property because it allows meals to remain casual and connected to the rest of the living experience.

Family members can prepare breakfast before heading outdoors, gather for dinner after a day of recreation, or simply sit together and enjoy the peaceful setting.

The kitchen’s size also gives a future owner flexibility when updating appliances, cabinetry, lighting, or finishes.

Because the property is being sold as-is, buyers should evaluate the condition of the kitchen and all major systems during their due diligence.

 

 

Comfortable Living Space

The cabin includes a spacious living area that provides the primary indoor gathering space.

For a weekend retreat, the living room could become a comfortable place for family movie nights, board games, reading, or relaxing after a day spent on the lake.

For a future full-time residence, the space could be arranged around the owner’s preferred furniture and lifestyle.

The cabin’s relatively compact size can also appeal to buyers who prefer a simpler property that is easier to maintain than a very large house.

Two Bedrooms for Family and Guests

The cabin features two bedrooms, with all bedrooms located on the main level.

This layout can be convenient for a variety of buyers.

A couple could use one bedroom as a primary sleeping area and the second as a guest room or office.

A small family could use both bedrooms for everyday living.

A vacation property owner could use the bedrooms to accommodate family and guests.

The single-level design also avoids the need to navigate multiple residential floors, which can be beneficial for buyers seeking a straightforward floor plan.

A Back Deck for Outdoor Living

One of the simplest pleasures of a property like this is being able to step outside and enjoy the landscape.

The back deck provides an ideal location for outdoor seating and relaxation.

Morning coffee can become a scenic ritual. Afternoon gatherings can move outside when the weather is pleasant. Evenings can be spent watching wildlife and enjoying the quiet surroundings.

With the cabin overlooking the water, the deck can serve as an extension of the indoor living area.

Outdoor living is one of the major attractions of owning recreational property, and this cabin provides a natural starting point for creating an inviting outdoor space.

Barn, Workshop, and Storage Buildings

The property offers more than just the cabin and lake.

Additional improvements include a barn, workshop, and storage buildings, providing valuable utility for the future owner.

A barn can be useful for storing equipment, tools, recreational gear, landscaping supplies, or other belongings.

The workshop can provide a dedicated space for woodworking, repairs, hobbies, maintenance projects, or creative pursuits.

Additional storage structures can reduce the need to keep equipment inside the cabin.

For a property with substantial acreage, these supporting structures can make everyday ownership more practical.

Buyers should inspect all structures carefully and confirm their condition, dimensions, electrical service, and permitted uses.

Potential as a Weekend Getaway

The property could be particularly attractive as a weekend retreat.

For people who live in or near an urban area, having a private place to escape can provide an entirely different lifestyle.

Instead of booking a hotel or traveling to a crowded resort, owners can return to their own property.

The cabin, lake, woods, and recreational features provide multiple ways to spend a weekend.

One day might involve fishing and exploring the woods. Another might be spent relaxing on the deck. Family members could gather around the lake while children enjoy outdoor activities.

The property provides the physical space for creating these experiences.

A Family Retreat

This property could also serve as a long-term family gathering place.

A private lake gives relatives and friends a natural centerpiece for outdoor activities.

The cabin can provide a comfortable home base while the surrounding land creates additional recreational space.

Over time, a property like this can become more than real estate. It can become a place associated with holidays, summer weekends, fishing trips, family celebrations, and time spent together.

For buyers interested in creating a legacy recreational property, the combination of land and water is particularly appealing.

Potential Future Home Site

Although the existing cabin provides immediate shelter and recreational use, the acreage may also offer potential for future plans, subject to local requirements.

A buyer could investigate whether additional residential improvements or construction are permitted.

The property might eventually become the setting for a larger dream home, while the existing cabin could potentially serve another purpose if permitted.

Any future development should be carefully researched with the appropriate county authorities and qualified professionals.

Buyers should verify zoning, building requirements, utility availability, access, setbacks, septic considerations, environmental conditions, and all other applicable regulations.

Potential Farm or Hobby Property

The acreage may also appeal to someone interested in a small-scale agricultural lifestyle.

The presence of a barn and additional structures creates opportunities for storage and property management.

Depending on the property’s regulations and physical characteristics, a future owner might explore gardening, keeping certain animals, maintaining equipment, or establishing other hobby-farm activities.

These uses should be confirmed with local authorities before purchase.

The acreage provides enough room to imagine a lifestyle centered around land and outdoor activity rather than traditional suburban living.

Convenient Country Living

One of the strongest advantages of the property is that it offers a private country environment while remaining convenient to city amenities.

This balance can be difficult to achieve.

Many rural properties provide excellent privacy but require lengthy drives for groceries, services, healthcare, restaurants, and other necessities.

This property is situated in unincorporated Shelby County, giving buyers the opportunity to enjoy a country setting while remaining within reach of urban conveniences.

Exact travel times should be independently confirmed based on the property’s final verified location.

A Unique Real Estate Investment Concept

From an investment perspective, properties combining acreage and private recreational amenities can be interesting to evaluate.

The property includes several features that are difficult to replicate:

• Approximately 11.78 acres
• Exclusive rights to approximately 7 acres of private lake
• A two-bedroom cabin
• Mature woods
• Hunting opportunities
• Barn
• Workshop
• Additional storage buildings
• Elevated setting overlooking the water
• Country privacy
• Proximity to city amenities

For an investor, the combination may provide several potential strategies, including holding the property for long-term appreciation, improving the cabin, exploring permitted recreational uses, or evaluating future development potential.

However, no investment return should be assumed. Buyers should conduct independent market research, financial analysis, inspections, and legal due diligence before purchasing.

Sold As-Is

The property is being offered as-is, which is an important consideration for prospective buyers.

An as-is sale means buyers should conduct thorough inspections and investigations before completing a purchase.

The age of the cabin, reportedly built in 1947, makes professional evaluation particularly important.

Buyers should consider inspections of the roof, foundation, electrical system, plumbing, heating and cooling systems, structural components, water systems, septic system if applicable, and all outbuildings.

The condition of the lake, dock or shoreline areas, access roads, drainage, and other exterior features should also be evaluated.

Understanding the Financial Details

The listing reports an annual property tax amount of approximately $1,252 and a tax-assessed value of approximately $186,200.

The listed price is approximately $294,900, according to the provided information.

Tax assessments are not necessarily the same as current market value, and buyers should verify all financial information with the appropriate authorities and listing professionals.

Potential ownership costs can include property taxes, insurance, maintenance, utilities, lake-related expenses, structure maintenance, road or access costs, and improvements.

A detailed budget can help prospective owners understand the true cost of ownership.

A Property With Multiple Lifestyle Possibilities

Perhaps what makes this property especially interesting is the variety of lifestyles it can support.

Weekend Retreat

Use the cabin as a private escape from the city.

Family Getaway

Create a place where relatives and friends can gather around the lake.

Recreational Property

Enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, hunting, hiking, and nature observation where permitted.

Hobby Farm

Explore appropriate agricultural or land-based activities.

Future Residence

Investigate the possibility of creating a larger custom home on the acreage.

Investment Opportunity

Evaluate the property as a long-term real estate asset.

The best use ultimately depends on the buyer’s goals, budget, and applicable regulations.

Why Properties With Private Water Stand Out

Water can dramatically change the character of a property.

A lake provides scenery, recreation, wildlife habitat, and a natural gathering point.

When that water is associated with private property rights, the experience can feel especially exclusive.

Instead of simply owning land surrounded by trees, a buyer has the opportunity to incorporate water into the overall lifestyle.

For families, the lake can become the center of outdoor activity.

For nature lovers, it can attract birds and wildlife.

For anglers, it can provide a place to spend quiet mornings.

For anyone who enjoys scenic surroundings, it creates an ever-changing view.

A Peaceful Place to Disconnect

Modern life can be busy and demanding.

Properties like this offer the possibility of stepping away from constant noise and spending more time outdoors.

There is something naturally restorative about sitting beside water, walking through mature woods, or watching wildlife from a quiet deck.

The property provides multiple environments for relaxation.

The cabin offers comfort.

The deck offers outdoor living.

The lake offers recreation.

The woods offer exploration and privacy.

The additional buildings offer functionality.

Together, these elements create a versatile private retreat.

Final Thoughts

This approximately 11.78-acre private property in unincorporated Shelby County represents an unusual opportunity to own a combination of land, water, cabin living, and recreational space.

The 2-bedroom, 1-bath wood cabin offers approximately 988 square feet of living space, with a spacious living area, large eat-in kitchen, two main-level bedrooms, and a back deck overlooking the surrounding landscape.

Outside, the property becomes even more interesting.

Approximately 7 acres of private lake rights, mature woods, wildlife, hunting opportunities, a barn, workshop, and additional storage buildings provide a wide range of possibilities.

Whether used as a weekend getaway, family retreat, recreational property, hobby farm, future home site, or investment opportunity, this property has characteristics that are increasingly difficult to find in one package.

The property’s as-is condition means careful due diligence is essential. Prospective buyers should verify all information concerning the land, lake rights, structures, utilities, access, zoning, permitted uses, taxes, and future development possibilities.

For someone searching for private lake property, a secluded country retreat, acreage with a cabin, or a recreational property near city conveniences, this offering deserves a closer look.

The true appeal is not simply the cabin itself. It is the entire setting: 11.78 acres of private land, a substantial private lake, mature woods, wildlife, recreational opportunities, useful outbuildings, and a peaceful cabin overlooking the water.

Opportunities with this combination of features are uncommon. For the right buyer, this could become a place to escape for weekends, gather with family, enjoy outdoor recreation, or begin planning a future vision for the land.

A private lake, wooded acreage, and a charming cabin create a one-of-a-kind country retreat with the potential to become a lasting family destination or a unique real estate investment.

 

 

Listed on Zillow